Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a dental concern that affects millions of people. Dr. Paul Karpovich offers treatment for his patients that show obvious signs of bruxism at his dentist office in Timonium, MD. This may seem like a harmless habit however it can cause serious damage to your teeth, gums, and even the underlying bone. The constant pressure on your teeth can cause pain in all your dental and facial structures. Excessive grinding over time can even lead to tooth loss, recessed gums, and bone loss. Untreated tooth damage may allow bacteria to enter the tooth. This could result in a tooth abscess or root canal.
Diagnosing Bruxism
Many people who suffer from teeth grinding do not even know they do it. This is because it often happens at night while they are sleeping. However, even if you grind your teeth while you sleep, there are several signs that point to bruxism:
- Jaw, face, ear, or neck pain
- Worn down teeth
- Tension headaches
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose teeth
- Flattened teeth
- Damaged dental restorations
- Problems with your jaw
A dentist can easily spot the signs of grinding. This is simply another reason why regular dental appointments are very important. Dr. Karpovich will examine your teeth looking for signs of grinding which includes worn down teeth, cracked or chipped teeth, and receding gums. If you are diagnosed with bruxism, it is important to treat it as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Bruxism Treatment in Timonium, MD
Diagnosing your bruxism is just the first step. Dr. Karpovich will need to create a treatment plan to fix your teeth and prevent further damage. Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of your grinding and the damage. In most cases, he will recommend a teeth grinding night guard.
Teeth Grinding Night Guard
A night guard is an oral appliance that we recommend for any patients that grinds their teeth. It is a conservative way to prevent damage. A night guard is a removable, custom mouth piece that is made from dental impressions. It is made of high quality, durable materials that can endure the stress of tooth grinding. This makes it more superior than the weaker, over the counter options. We suggest wearing it every night while you sleep. Some patients even choose to wear them during high stress situations.
Restorative Dentistry
If your bruxism has led to damaged teeth, your dentist may recommend restorative dentistry to fix them. Chipped, broken, or worn down teeth may benefit from dental crowns, tooth bonding, or dental veneers. Such treatments will add strength to the tooth and protect it from further damage.
Get Relief From Your Teeth Grinding Today
If you or a family member is suffering from teeth grinding, book an appointment with Dr. Karpovich today in Timonium, MD. A simple bite analysis and oral health evaluation will help him diagnose you with bruxism. Then Dr. Karpovich can create a treatment plan to help you find relief and fix your tooth damage.
Contact our dentist office today at (410) 221-3085 or schedule an appointment online.